Star of India (flag)

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This article is about the flag known as the "Star of India". For other items of the same name, see Star of India (disambiguation).

Photograph of the Red Ensign, used to represent British India in international organisations

The Star of India can refer to a group of flags used during the period of British rule in India. British India (officially known as the Indian Empire) had a range of flags for different purposes during its existence. The flags included the Union Flag with the insignia of the Order of the Star of India superimposed, or the Red or Blue Ensign with the Star of India superimposed. The official state flag for use on land was the Union Flag of the United Kingdom and it was this flag that was lowered on Independence Day in 1947.

While the Blue Ensign was used for military and naval purposes the Red Ensign was used for representing India in most international Events. The Star of India had a star with the words Heaven's light our guide around them, and was the badge of the Order of the Star of India, a chivalric order of knighthood. A blue state (government) ensign also existed, was defaced with a lion holding a Tudor Crown.^[1]

The Star of India flags were replaced by the Tiranga (Indian Tricolour) after Independence on the 15th of August 1947 in the independent Union of India.

[edit] The flags and emblems used in British India

1885–1947	Flag of the Governor-General of India	A Union Flag defaced with the insignia of the Order of the Star of India surmounted by the Tudor Crown.
1880–1947	Flag used to represent British India in International events	A red ensign with the Union Flag at the corner with the Star of India displayed in the fly.
18?? - 1947	Imperial Indian Blue Ensign Flag was the ensign of the Royal Indian Navy	A blue ensign with Union Flag at the corner with the Star of India displayed in the fly.
1861 - 1947	The insignia of the Order of the Star of India	Silver five pointed star encircled by a blue ribbon bearing the motto Heaven's light our guide all surrounded by a gold sunburst.